The California attorney general’s office wants more oversight of Los Angeles County’s juvenile detention centers after reports that the detention centers have failed to improve security conditions.
“The County of Los Angeles is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in its juvenile detention facilities – and has utterly failed in this responsibility to date,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “These new conditions will strengthen oversight and accountability and lead to a necessary and overdue improvement in conditions in these facilities.”
Despite initial progress in improving conditions and staffing at the Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility and Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, an independent monitor found “continued deterioration” at the centers, including “multiple serious threats to the safety of young people’.
The monitor’s report noted the province’s failure to stem the flow of drugs, get youth to medical appointments, stop staff from provoking or encouraging youth-on-youth attacks and retaliate against inmates who had filed complaints. In addition, the independent monitor found that the facilities faced a staffing crisis, did not have sufficient cameras to monitor all areas and could not ensure security footage was reviewed.
In response to the findings, Bonta’s office filed a motion with LA County to ensure local officials comply with previous settlements and orders.
“These new conditions will strengthen oversight and accountability and lead to a necessary and overdue improvement in conditions in these facilities,” Bonta said.
The motion requires monthly reports on critical health and safety issues and the appointment of a deputy supervisor at each facility if the county again fails to comply. It will also require the reports to be filed publicly with the court.
The province will also need to timely assess use of force, address gaps in camera coverage and establish protocols to review incidents at the facilities. Bonta will also require local officials to implement an electronic data system to ensure access to outside recreation, religious services and visitation. LA County must also implement a plan to get their juvenile inmates to medical appointments.
Facilities must also meet minimum staffing levels, address leave abuse, recruit employees, and address retention and staff wellness.
Finally, the province will need to reduce violence, including incidents caused by staff, ensure adequate and timely investigations and report child abuse.
“I am hopeful that this new, comprehensive agreement will address persistent problems in these juvenile detention facilities, but my office will continue to monitor this closely and be prepared to take further action if necessary.”
